Serena gains fourth Aussie Open victory after easy win against Russian

The Australian Open final is now over. There was battle between No. 2 seed Serena Williams and No. 3 seed Dinara Safina, and the American won her fourth Australian Open and 10th Grand Slam crown in easy straight sets, 60 63, which means that she will return back to the No. 1 spot.

"I'm going to Disneyworld!" Williams joked afterwards. "I think I got in the zone in the last two games of my doubles match yesterday, and I didn't stop after that. I'm so excited about this victory. I just want to stay consistent and fit and keep going like this. I've always said, when I'm at my best I'm really tough to beat."

"I don't have much to say - I felt like a ballboy on the court today," a gracious Safina told the packed Rod Laver Arena crowd during the trophy presentation. "Congratulations to Serena. She played so well. To all the fans who supported me, I'm sorry I couldn't give you a better match. But I will be back next year."

Williams has won all four of her titles at the Australian Open in the last four odd years - 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009. She is now tied with Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf and Monica Seles for most Australian Open titles in the Open Era; she is also the fifth woman in the Open Era to win 10 or more Grand Slam singles ttles, after Court, Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert and Graf.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Singles - Final

(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. (3) Dinara Safina (RUS) 60 63

Williams sisters gain doubles crown

Venus and Serena Williams, seeded 10th, have succeeded in winning their third Australian Open doubles title, against No. 9 seeds Ai Sugiyama and Daniela Hantuchova, in straight sets 63 63.

"We played a great team today, they were very tough," said Venus, adding with a chuckle, "I'd like to thank for Serena for being the best partner - I wouldn't play with anyone else." Speaking for her team, Hantuchova congratulated the champions and thanked her own partner, Sugiyama, with whom she was also runner-up at Roland Garros in 2006. "It's a big honor for me to play with someone like you," the 25-year-old Slovak said. "You're not only a fantastic player but one of my best friends."

Friday, January 30, 2009

Doubles - Final

(10) Williams/Williams (USA/USA) d. (9) Hantuchova/Sugiyama (SVK/JPN) 63 63

Serena becomes top-earning female athlete ever

Serena Williams became the richest female athlete ever, after she won her semifinal match at the Australian Open, surpassing golf star Annika Sorenstam by $180,383.

Williams now has a total of $22,753,575.

"I'm thrilled with the news! I remember earning my first cheque of $240 at Québec City in 1995 and while I knew that I could have a great career in tennis, I could not have imagined or dreamed of all of this," Williams said. "It's amazing how much women's tennis has grown since I joined the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour 14 years ago. I am very proud to have reached this milestone for me, my family and all women athletes out there. This achievement shows that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything."

"This is an historic milestone, not just for Serena but all women athletes," said Larry Scott, Chairman & CEO of the Tour. "Serena is one of the all time great champions in the history of our sport and this achievement is a product of Serena's amazing on-court accomplishments over an extended time period."

Prize Money Milestones in Women's Tennis

- In 1971, total Tour prize money for 19 events was $309,100; in 2009, it has grown to over $86 million at the Tour's 55 events (including the Grand Slams).

- In 1971, Billie Jean King became the first female athlete to pass the six figure mark in single season earnings; in 2008, 143 women earned over $100,000.

- In 1976, Chris Evert became the first female athlete to pass $1 million in career earnings at Palm Springs; in 1986, Martina Navratilova became the first woman to pass $10 million in career earnings at the US Indoors, and it was Navratilova eight years later at 1994 Filderstadt who became the first to pass $20 million.

- By winning Wimbledon in 1982, Navratilova became the all-time prize money leader in tennis, overtaking both Evert and Jimmy Connors, a mantle she held until 1989; later that year, she became the first female athlete to pass $1 million in a single season, finishing with $1,475,055.

- In 1984, Navratilova surpassed the $2 million mark in season earnings; in 1997, Martina Hingis passed the $3 million mark; in 2003, Kim Clijsters passed the $4 million plateau; and in 2007, Justine Henin became the first woman in sports to pass $5 mllion in single sason earnings.

- On three occasions, a woman has been the top earner (men or women) in tennis: 1984 (Navratilova), 1991 (Monica Seles) and 2003 (Kim Clijsters).

Serena, Dinara advance to final of Aussie Open

No. 2 seed Serena Williams and No. 3 seed Dinara safina were the players who advanced to the Australian Open final, after they both won their matches in easy straight sets.

Williams had to defeat No. 4 seed Elena Dementieva to achieve a spot in the final, and she did, winning with a score of 63 64.

"I wanted to play better than the last few times I played her," said Williams, the second seed this fortnight, said. "I was really calm today. I felt like I wanted to stay calm and stay focused more than anything. It was a good match."

"She was very powerful today," said Dementieva, the fourth seed. "I wasn't as aggressive as I needed to be. I wasn't playing deep enough, which allowed her to be aggressive and ditcate. She was very focused. We had a good match."

On the other half of the draw, Safina faced compatriot No. 7 seed Vera Zvonareva, as both players were going for their first Aussie Open final, and Safina was victorious after a 63 76(4) win.

"I was more aggressive today than previous matches," said Safina, who had been heavily critical of herself after matches earlier in the tournament. "I think the first set was perfect. In the second set I had some chances where I could have been a little more aggressive, but I played a very good game down 6-5 on her serve and then played a solid tie-break. I'm very pleased with how I played today."

"It was my first Grand Slam semifinal, so I should be satisfied," Zvonareva said. "There are so many things I wish I could have done in this match though. I felt the level of tennis I was able to show in my previous matches was much, much better. But right now I'm looking forward to the next tournament."

In doubles, No. 10 Serena and older sister Venus reached the finals, after they won to No. 12 seed Casey Dellacqua and Francesca Schiavone in easy straight sets, 60 62. They will now face No. 9 seed Daniela Hantuchova and Ai Sugiyama, who won to Nathalie Dechy and Mara Santangelo 64 63, in the final.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Singles - Semifinals

(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. (4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) 63 64

(3) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. (7) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) 63 76(4)

Williams sisters decline invitation to play in Fed Cup

Venus and Serena Williams have declined an invitation to play in the first round of the Fed Cup against Argentina for the United States, the USTA has reported.

"This year, with the new schedule, the new commitments, I don't think it's the best time for me," Serena Williams said when asked about the Fed Cup at the Australian Open, where she will play Elena Dementieva on Thursday in Melbourne for a berth in the final.

Mary Joe Fernandez, the new U.S. Captain, chose Bethanie Mattek, Jill Craybas, Melanie Oudin and Liezel Huber for the team.

Gisela Dulko, Betina Jozami, Soledad Esperon and Aranza Salut are the players who were chosen for the Argentine group, by Captain Ricardo Rivera.

Dementieva crushes opponent; Serena again get scare

In the quarterfinals on Wednesday, No. 4 seed Elena Dementieva was in perfect shape, as she cruised past rising star Carla Suarez Navarro in easy straight sets, while No. 2 seed Serena Williams struggled against another Russian, but came back to win in three sets.

The Russian was on fire on Day 10 of the first Grand Slam of the year, and won to the Spaniard easily, 62 62.

"It was very tough to play because of the weather conditions," Dementieva, the fourth seed, said. "She is very strong physically, a very fit player. We were playing for the first time and I didn't know what to expect from her. Maybe it looked easy, but for a score like 62 62, an hour and a half is a long match."

Williams' opponent in the quarters was No. 8 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova, who came through a tough first week to get to this point of the tournament. The Russian won the first set and was leading the second, but the American came back to win the second set and easily won the third. The match was over with the score of 57 75 61.

"I finally started playing a little better at the end of the second set; I felt like I was really off before," Williams said. "It's really encouraging because the whole tournament I felt I've been off. I was happy because I wasn't playing my best today. I was thinking, 'Wow, this is not my best tennis, or even close to it.'"

"I was hoping it would be four people from my country in the semifinals, but I couldn't make it," Kuznetsova said. "You know, it's my fault. We could have made history. But again - could have, would have... Maybe next time."

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. (8) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) 57 75 61

(4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) 62 62

Safina survives battle against Dokic; Bartoli crushed by Zvonareva

No. 3 seed Dinara Safina and No. 7 Vera Zvonareva were the first players to reach the semifinals in the Australian Open, after both players fought hard enough to overcome their opponents, as Vera crushed her opponent in straight sets, and Dinara beating her opponent in a tough three-setter.

Safina had to defeat Jelena Dokic, who was playing very well throughout the tournament, to get to the semis. The Russian turned out to be better in the battle, and won in three sets, 64 46 64.

"Sorry I had to defeat today your Australian," said Safina courtside, smiling as the parochial crowd gave the Russian her dues for a gritty display. "I hope you'll be behind me next time." Of the forthcoming match-up with Zvonareva, she added: "I hope it's going to be a good match that we both enjoy and the crowd enjoys and whoever deserves to win wins."

"Of course I'm disappointed," Dokic said. "But there are more positives than negatives. It's been a great start to 2009, I couldn't have asked for anything more."

Zvonareva had an easier match-up, as she ultamitely crushed No. 16 seed Marion Bartoli, 63 60.

"I don't know what happened - I thought Marion was playing really well in the beginning, but I was able to cut down on my unforced errors and keep a good level of play throughout the rest of the match," Zvonareva said. "I was able to play a very, very clean match today. That's what made the difference."

"She just played unbelievably well; she barely missed a ball after that," Bartoli said of the 11-game streak. "I was hitting as hard as I could, but she was always coming back with some better shots. Even when she was scrambling, she was putting the ball just 10 centimeters from the baseline. She was reading my game like a book. She was just too good, just better than me today."

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(3) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. (WC) Jelena Dokic (AUS) 64 46 64

(7) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. (16) Marion Bartoli (FRA) 63 60

Serena almost ousted on Day 8 of Aussie Open

There was not so much happiness for the No. 2 seed on Monday, and even though she won her match, she didn't win it the way she wanted to.

Serena Williams had lost the first set to teenager No. 13 Victoria Azarenka, but was leading in the second, and that's when the Belorussian retired due to sickness, with a score of 63 24.

"Hopefully she'll be okay - she's young, so she'll have plenty of opportunities to do better," Williams said. "Honestly, I got worried. I was like, 'Oh my goodness,' because she started walking really slowly. The last thing she would want to do would be to fall. It was just weird. I was actually really worried."

"I started feeling sick in the morning; I woke up at 6am and was throwing up," Azarenka said. "Once I got to the court, I went to see the doctor and felt a little better. Throughout the first set and for a little bit of the second I felt fine, but then I just had no more energy. It's very disappointing because I was almost up 2-0 in the second. But whatever happens happens - I just have to accept that."

No. 8 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova also went through to the quarters when her opponent, No. 22 seed Jie Zheng, retired, due to a left wrist strain, while the Russian was leading 41 in the first set.

No. 4 seed Elena Dementieva reserved a spot in the quarterfinals after she won her match easily to No. 18 seed Dominika Cibulkova, 62 62.

Carla Suarez Navarro also won her match to get to Day 9 of the Australian Open, against compatriot Anabel Medina Garrigues in straight sets, 63 62.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Singles - Fourth Round

(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. (13) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) 36 42 ret. (dizziness and GI illness)

(4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. (18) Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) 62 62

(8) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. (22) Zheng Jie (CHN) 41 ret. (left wrist sprain)

Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) d. (21) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) 63 62

Top seed falls; Safina survives scary Round of 16 match

There was both sadness and happiness for those who were in action on Day 7 of the Australian Open, but it mainly sadness for the World No. 1, who lost her Round of 16 match in straight sets to a Frenchwoman.

No. 1 seed and rank Jelena Jankovic seemed to be in great form in her previous rounds, but it was proved wrong by No. 16 seed Marion Bartoli, who won to the Serb 61 64.

"I was confident today because I played really well in my last match," Bartoli said. "I knew I could beat Jelena on a good day, it was just a matter of executing it, playing the right shots at the right times and not making too many mistakes."

Bartoli will next face No. 7 seed Vera Zvonareva, who won to compatriot No. 10 seed Nadia Petrova, 75, 64.

No. 3 seed Dinara Safina was also faco=ing a tough opponent on Sunday, as she won the first set, lost the second and was down 5-2 in the third against No. 15 seed Alize Cornet. The Frenchwoman even had some match points, but the Russian then managed to come back and win in three sets, 62 26 75.

"It's the first time I'm actually in the quarters here, so I'm pleased about that. But other than that I'm disappointed with the way I played. What I did on the court today was really sad. But nobody's playing great yet. We all need matches to find our best form. I need to improve for my next match."

Safina will next face wildcard Jelena Dokic, who won to No. 29 seed Alisa Kleybanova in the night match, 75 57 86.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Singles - Fourth Round

(16) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. (1) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) 61 64

(3) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. (15) Alizé Cornet (FRA) 62 26 75

(7) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. (10) Nadia Petrova (RUS) 75 64

(WC) Jelena Dokic (AUS) d. (29) Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) 75 57 86

Serena through to second week, along with two Russians and more

No. 2 seed Serena Williams was able to make it to the second week of the first Grand Slam of the year, after she beat her Chinese opponent in straight sets. No. 4 seed Elena Dementieva and No. 13 seed Victoria Azarenka were also part of the group of players that headed into the Round of 16.

Williams won the first set to Shuai Peng easily, but the second set was a bit of a challenge for the American, but she eventually won, 61 64.

Dementieva had a tougher time on court, as she battled against Samantha Stosur to win in two tough sets, 76(6) 64.

No. 8 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova was also in a tough position, against Ukrainian Alona Bondarenko, but won in straight sets, 76(7) 64.

Azarenka was dominating the match against her opponent Amelie Mauresmo, and won in easy straight sets, 62 64.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Singles - Third Round

(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. Peng Shuai (CHN) 61 64

(4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Samantha Stosur (AUS) 76(6) 64

(8) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. (31) Alona Bondarenko (UKR) 76(7) 64

(21) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) d. (12) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) 64 61

(13) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. (20) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) 64 62

(18) Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) d. Virginie Razzano (FRA) 75 75

(22) Zheng Jie (CHN) d. Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) 62 62

Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) d. María José Martínez Sánchez (ESP) 61 64

Top seed through along with Russians; No. 5 seed Ana ousted in three sets; Dokic through to second week

World No. 1 Jelena Jankovic was among the players who made it to the second week, along with a bunch of Russians and Frenchwomen.

Jankovic had a tough time on court against Ai Sugiyama, as she battled her way through to close out the match with a score of 64 64.

"Today was a tough match," Jankovic said. "I thought I competed much better than in my previous two rounds. Ai is a tough opponent. She doesn't really give me any free points. She fights very well and is a very solid player. I had to work for every point. I'm just happy to get through this kind of match."

No. 3 seed Dinara Safina easily won her match to No. 25 seed Kaia Kanepi, 62 62, No. 7 seed Vera Zvonareva also played some great tennis on Friday, as she beat Sara Errani 64 61, and No. 10 seed Petrova got through to the second week easily, after her opponent, Galina Voskoboeva, retired after losing the first set 61, due to back pain.

There was a lot of talk about Jelena Dokic lately, and how she is playing so well. On Day 5, she proved everyone right, and she was playing great tennis against No. 12 Caroline Woznaicki, and won in three sets, 36 61 62.

No. 5 seed Ana Ivanovic was surprisingly ousted on her way to the second week, by Alisa Kleybanova in three sets, 75 67(5) 62.

"It was so exciting to be out there," said Kleybanova. "These are the moments that we train every day for, we work hard for, we live our life to be there and to play on big courts like this, for all those people that came to watch. I'm so happy that I was able to pull through because I really played my best tennis."

Friday, January 23, 2009

Singles - Third Round

(1) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. (26) Ai Sugiyama (JPN) 64 64

(3) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. (25) Kaia Kanepi (EST) 62 62

(29) Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) d. (5) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) 75 67(5) 62

(7) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. Sara Errani (ITA) 64 61

(10) Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. Galina Voskoboeva (KAZ) 61 ret. (back pain)

(WC) Jelena Dokic (AUS) d. (12) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 36 61 62

(15) Alizé Cornet (FRA) d. (19) Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) 46 64 62

(16) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. Lucie Safarova (CZE) 36 62 61

Breaking News: Venus stunned in second round action in Melbourne

No. 6 seed Venus Williams was ousted in her night match on Thursday, as she fell to rising star Carla Suarez Navarro in three sets, 26 63 75, while sister Serena was also pushed to the limits by her opponent, but eventually got through.

No. 2 seed Serena was in a lot of trouble against Gisela Dulko, as she was down 5-3 in the second set and had to fight of 6 set points, but the American came back to win in straight sets, 63 75.

"Today I was at a D-minus at best," Williams said. "But it's good I was able to win when I wasn't playing my best. I will definitely try to do better from now on. And it's good to know that these girls are bringing their A-games against me."

No. 4 seed Elena Dementieva was in better form than Williams, as she ousted Iveta Benesova, 64 61.

"I played a little bit better than in my first match; this is what I need if I want to improve, if I want to go all the way," Dementieva said. "It's a very good feeling. There are still lots of things I want to work on, but I still hope to play well here. This is why we come to play the Australian Open. I hope to keep improving."

No. 8 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova also cruised through, against Tatjana Malek, 62 62.

Former champion Amelie Mauresmo won her match to Elena Baltacha, 46 63 62.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. Gisela Dulko (ARG) 63 75

(4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Iveta Benesova (CZE) 64 61

Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) d. (6) Venus Williams (USA) 26 63 75

(8) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. Tatjana Malek (GER) 62 62

(12) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. (WC) Jessica Moore (AUS) 64 61

(13) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. Tathiana Garbin (ITA) 41 ret. (abdominal strain)

Virginie Razzano (FRA) d. (14) Patty Schnyder (SUI) 63 61

(18) Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) d. Chan Yung-Jan (TPE) 60 62

(20) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) d. (Q) Elena Baltacha (GBR) 46 63 62

(21) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) d. Julie Coin (FRA) 61 64

(22) Zheng Jie (CHN) d. Melinda Czink (HUN) 76(0) 57 63

(31) Alona Bondarenko (UKR) d. Severine Brémond (FRA) 76(1) 16 62

Peng Shuai (CHN) d. (Q) Sesil Karatantcheva (BUL) 64 60

Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. Sabine Lisicki (GER) 63 64

Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) d. Lourdes Domínguez Lino (ESP) 75 75

María José Martínez Sánchez (ESP) d. Akgul Amanmuradova (UZB) 62 64

Jankovic, Safina survive second round toughness; Zvonareva through with double bagel win

On Day 3 in Melbourne some seeds were tested, while other seeds esasily cruised through to the next round. Top seed Jelena Jankovic was one of the players that had to fight her way through.

Jankovic was challenged by Kirsten Flipkens, but eventually won in two tough sets, 64 75.

"I wasn't too happy with the way I played, and she also had nothing to lose," Jankovic said. "The main thing was to win. Competition in the early rounds gets you going, and now I know I'll have to clean up my game a little bit and go for my shots a little more. Also, I need to play with the same intensity from the first point to the last. For today I'm just happy to get through to the third round."

Compatriot No. 5 seed Ana Ivanovic had a much easier win, to Alberta Brianti, 63 62.

"I improved a lot since last match," said Ivanovic, who lost eight games in a somewhat scratchy first round win over Julia Goerges. "I was coming to the net more often - that's something I was very pleased about. But there are still some areas I have to work on. As you progress through the tournament you play tougher opponents, so automatically you raise your level. But it was much better today. Hopefully I can keep improving."

No. 3 seed Dinara Safina also had a tough match to play, against Ekaterina Makarova, but won in three sets, 67(3) 63 60.

"I had a slow start; I played poorly, just waiting for her mistakes," said Safina, who originally trailed 5-1 in the first set. "After I lost the first set, I really played my game. From 3-all in the second set I stepped in and won all the rest of the games. I feel I can still improve; even if I win my matches, I still feel there is so much more inside, so I have to let it go. I'm on the right track now."

No. 7 seed Vera Zvonareva had the easiest time on court, as she was victorious against Edina Gallovits, 60 60.

Anna Chakvetadze again continued her losing streak, as she fell to Jelena Dokic in three sets, 64 67(4) 63.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(1) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) 64 75

(3) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) 67(3) 63 60

(5) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d. (Q) Alberta Brianti (ITA) 63 62

(7) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. Edina Gallovits (ROU) 60 60

(10) Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. Sania Mirza (IND) 63 62

(11) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Virginia Ruano Pascual (ESP) 63 63

(15) Alizé Cornet (FRA) d. Andrea Petkovic (GER) 61 60

(16) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) 75 62

(WC) Jelena Dokic (AUS) d. (17) Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) 64 67(4) 63

(19) Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. Mathilde Johansson (FRA) 63 46 63

(25) Kaia Kanepi (EST) d. Patricia Mayr (AUT) 63 61

(26) Ai Sugiyama (JPN) d. Nathalie Dechy (FRA) 16 61 63

(29) Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) d. Stéphanie Cohen-Aloro (FRA) 61 36 62

Sara Errani (ITA) d. Monica Niculescu (ROU) 62 63

Lucie Safarova (CZE) d. Marina Erakovic (NZL) 61 36 97

Galina Voskoboeva (KAZ) d. Karin Knapp (ITA) 64 61

Williams sisters both succeed; Radwanska ousted in three sets on Day 2 in Melbourne

On Tuesday, the top seeds in Melbourne were in great shape, as both of the Williams sisters and Dementieva won their matches to get to the second round.

No. 2 seed and 3-time champion Serena Williams easily reserved a spot in the second round, after she won to Yuan Meng in easy straight sets 63 62.

Older sister No. 6 seed Venus also had a similar score in her victory, as she won to Angelique Kerber in straight sets, 63 63.

"She was going for a lot in those first five games, a lot really fast and trying to hit winners; I think she started to get a few more in play," Williams said. "She played well. She was a lefty, and I think she used it to her advantage at times. But I was really happy to be out there, hitting a lot of balls and finding a rhythm. Now I'm in the second round. Going into this match, that was definitely the goal."

No. 9 seed Agnieszka Radwanska was ousted too early in the first Grand Slam of the year, as she fell to Kateryna Bondarenko, 76(7) 46 61.

No. 4 seed Elena Dementieva had better luck than the Pole, as she struggled against Kristina Barrois, but eventually won in three sets, 76(4) 26 61.

Countrywoman No. 8 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova also needed three sets to close out her first round match, against Anastasia Rodionova, 62 36 63.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Singles - First Round

(2) Serena Williams (USA) d. (WC) Yuan Meng (CHN) 63 62

(4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Kristina Barrois (GER) 76(4) 26 61

(6) Venus Williams (USA) d. Angelique Kerber (GER) 63 63

(8) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. Anastasia Rodionova (AUS) 62 36 63

Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) d. (9) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) 76(7) 46 61

(12) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. Mara Santangelo (ITA) 62 57 62

(13) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 62 61

(14) Patty Schnyder (SUI) d. (WC) Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) 26 64 62

(18) Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) d. (Q) Chanelle Scheepers (RSA) 60 60

(20) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) d. Olga Govortsova (BLR) 64 63

(21) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) d. (WC) Isabella Holland (AUS) 61 75

(22) Zheng Jie (CHN) d. Camille Pin (FRA) 63 63

Peng Shuai (CHN) d. (28) Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 76(4) 61

Sabine Lisicki (GER) d. (30) Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) 64 63

(31) Alona Bondarenko (UKR) d. (WC) Olivia Rogowska (AUS) 57 63 62

María José Martínez Sánchez (ESP) d. (32) Tamarine Tanasugarn (THA) 75 63

Iveta Benesova (CZE) d. Vera Dushevina (RUS) 64 06 62

Gisela Dulko (ARG) d. Anastasiya Yakimova (BLR) 63 57 63

Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) d. Roberta Vinci (ITA) 75 64

Tathiana Garbin (ITA) d. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) 64 26 75

Virginie Razzano (FRA) d. Jarmila Gajdosova (AUS) 61 67(2) 64

Chan Yung-Jan (TPE) d. Hsieh Su-Wei (TPE) 63 63

Akgul Amanmuradova (UZB) d. (Q) Melanie Oudin (USA) 61 64

Melinda Czink (HUN) d. Sorana Cirstea (ROU) 62 62

Lourdes Domínguez Lino (ESP) d. Ekaterina Bychkova (RUS) 63 60

Julie Coin (FRA) d. Elena Vesnina (RUS) 64 46 61

Severine Brémond (FRA) d. Nicole Vaidisova (CZE) 62 61

Tatjana Malek (GER) d. Ayumi Morita (JPN) 76(4) 62

Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. Klara Zakopalova (CZE) 76(5) 76(0)

(Q) Elena Baltacha (GBR) d. Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER) 61 64

(Q) Sesil Karatantcheva (BUL) d. Nuria Llagostera Vives (ESP) 26 61 62

(WC) Jessica Moore (AUS) d. (WC) Christina McHale (USA) 16 63 97

Top seed through to second round after easy win; Ivanovic struggled against No. 90 in the world

All of the favorite seeds in action on Monday were through to the second round, as only two of the fourteen seeds in action were ousted on Day 1 of the first Grand Slam of the year.

Top seed Jelena Jankovic made a great start to her week, as she beat Yvonne Meusburger in easy straight sets 61 63.

Compatriot Ana Ivanovic, who is seeded fifth, also had a nice start as she battled against No. 90 in the world Julia Georges, and won 75 63.

Fellow Top 8 seeds Dinara Safina and Vera Zvonareva also won their openers in straight sets, with the No.3-seeded Safina getting by feisty countrywoman Alla Kudryavtseva, 63 64, and No.7-seeded Zvonareva edging rising star Magdalena Rybarikova in a first set tie-break and then rolling to a 76(2) 60 victory.

All of the other Top 16 seeds in action also advanced. No.10 seed Nadia Petrova beat Yaroslava Shvedova, 63 76(3); No.11 seed Caroline Wozniacki beat Shahar Peer, 63 62; No.15 seed Alizé Cornet beat Mariya Koryttseva, 63 64; and No.16 seed Marion Bartoli beat Melanie South, 62 64.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Singles - First Round

(1) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. Yvonne Meusburger (AUT) 61 63

(3) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) 63 64

(5) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d. Julia Goerges (GER) 75 63

(7) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) 76(2) 60

(10) Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) 63 76(3)

(11) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Shahar Peer (ISR) 63 62

(15) Alizé Cornet (FRA) d. Mariya Koryttseva (UKR) 63 64

(16) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. Melanie South (GBR) 62 64

(17) Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) d. Anne Keothavong (GBR) 61 67(4) 61

Galina Voskoboeva (KAZ) d. (23) Agnes Szavay (HUN) 63 36 64

Lucie Safarova (CZE) d. (24) Sybille Bammer (AUT) 63 61

(25) Kaia Kanepi (EST) d. (Q) Kimiko Date Krumm (JPN) 64 46 86

(26) Ai Sugiyama (JPN) d. (Q) Stéphanie Dubois (CAN) 60 76(5)

Sara Errani (ITA) d. (27) Maria Kirilenko (RUS) 60 64

(29) Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) d. Sofia Arvidsson (SWE) 75 75

Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) d. (Q) Karolina Sprem (CRO) 60 64

Monica Niculescu (ROU) d. (Q) Katie O'Brien (GBR) 64 64

Edina Gallovits (ROU) d. Maria Elena Camerin (ITA) 63 26 63

Karin Knapp (ITA) d. (WC) Monika Wejnert (AUS) 76(6) 64

Mathilde Johansson (FRA) d. Jill Craybas (USA) 62 16 75

Marina Erakovic (NZL) d. Petra Cetkovska (CZE) 64 75

Nathalie Dechy (FRA) d. (Q) Viktoriya Kutuzova (UKR) 63 60

Virginia Ruano Pascual (ESP) d. Mariana Duque Marino (COL) 63 62

Stéphanie Cohen-Aloro (FRA) d. Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) 63 64

Sania Mirza (IND) d. Marta Domachowska (POL) 61 64

Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) d. Rossana de los Ríos (PAR) 63 62

Patricia Mayr (AUT) d. (Q) Julia Schruff (GER) 64 61

Andrea Petkovic (GER) d. (Q) Kathrin Woerle (GER) 57 76(0) 40 ret. (adductor strain)

(Q) Alberta Brianti (ITA) d. Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) 64 62

(WC) Jelena Dokic (AUS) d. Tamira Paszek (AUT) 62 36 64

Congrats to Bethanie!!!!

Bethanie Mattek had a great season in 2008, but she had even more excitement during the off season, as she got married on Saturday, November 29, 2008, to President of JPS Insurance Justin Sands at the Edgewater Beach Resort in Naples, Florida.

With a perfect sunset backdrop, Mattek wore a Romona Keveza dress and Marciano zebra print stiletto shoes. Her 5.5 carat custom engagement ring was paired with a wedding band resembling zebra stripes, 3.5 carats of black and white diamonds. The intimate wedding of just 40 guests in attendance consisted of friends and family who all dressed to the wedding's theme of black and white. The flower arrangements consisted of purple orchids, white lilies and white hydrangeas, and an ensemble of violins, drums, harp, flute and piano. The cake complimented the theme too, created with vanilla and strawberries and a layer of chocolate mousse.

Justin Sands is President & CEO of JPS Insurance Group, LLC in Scottsdale, a company he founded in 2007. He is an athlete, playing Division I AA football at the University of Albany from 2001 to 2005. Originally from Pennsylvania, Sands was involved in sports from a young age, having wrestled from the age of four and playing baseball and football. He is a graduate of the University of Albany with a degree in Sociology, Communications & Business. He also donates his time as a defensive line coach at Mesa Community College in Arizona, is a board member of The Maxwell Football Club in Philadelphia and is an avid outdoorsman.

Bethanie Mattek-Sands hopes to return to the Tour soon, having had to pull out of the Australian Open due to injury.

Indian Wells tournament to get name changed

From this:To this:


What was the Pacific Life Open will now become the BNP Paribas Open, as it is now sponsored by one of the world's largest banks, BNP Paribas.

The event will take place on March 9-22.

Ray Moore, who with Charlie Pasarell is a partner in the event's operational company, said parting with Pacific Life was a difficult decision, especially in this economic climate.

"It was a decision of our board, it was made last June and it was with some trepidation," Moore said.

"We needed to get the credit, financially, for the international-based audience we brought," Moore said, meaning that Pacific Life's sponsorship fee was more in line with what a title sponsor would pay for a national event, whereas the Indian Wells tournament was marketed and televised all over the world, especially in Europe.

Kvitova captures first title of career in Hobart

On Friday at the final of Hobart, a Czech captured her first title of the year and of her career, as she beat her compatriot in straight sets.

Petra Kvitova and Iveta Benesova battled it out in the final of the Moorilla Hobart International, and Kvitova won in straight sets to Benesova, 75 61.

"It was very windy and cold, and when she came back to make it 5-5 in the first set I was very nervous," Kvitova said. "Then I started focusing on every point and I started playing well again. The second set was much quicker. I'm very, very happy. I really like it here, so it's exciting for me to win my first title here."

"It has been a good week for me. Now I'm hoping to do well in Melbourne, too. I have a tough first round though - Azarenka is playing really well."

Friday, January 16, 2009

Singles - Final

Petra Kvitova (CZE) d. Iveta Benesova (CZE) 75 61

Dementieva defeats Safina in three-setter to win second straight title in Sydney

No. 3 seed Elena Dementieva roamed the courts on Friday, as she ousted compatriot No. 2 seed Dinara Safina to win her second title in a row and of the year in Sydney.

Dementieva crushed Safina in three sets, 63 26 61, and is now 10-0 in her record for 2009, as she went 5-0 to win the ASB Classic last week, and 5-0 to win the Medibank International this week. The tournament for Dementieva was great, as she won it, and had won to two players ranked highe than her (Serena Williams is No. 2, and Dinara Safina is No. 3, while no. 1 Jelena Jankovic did not compete).

"You never know if you are close or not. Sometimes you can be very close, but it's a very tough step to make it.

"I do have such goals in my career, and I'm trying to achieve. I don't know if it's going to come soon or not, but I'm trying so hard," said the two-time Grand Slam finalist.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Singles - Final

(3) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. (2) Dinara Safina (RUS) 63 26 61

Seles to be inducted into Hall of Fame

On Thursday, nine-time Grand Slam champion Monica Seles was elected to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, and she was honored for her career and comeback after getting stabbed during a match.

“It was just a lot of highs and a lot of lows,” Seles said during a conference call. “One of the things that always kept me going was my love of the game.”

Also elected to be inducted was 1972 French Open champion Andres Gimeno, Association of Tennis Proffesionals co-founder Donald Dell, and Robert Johnson. The induction will take place on the 11th of July.

In April 1993, Seles was stabbed by a man who climbed out of the stands.

Seles said she tries not to ask herself how her career might have gone on if the incident didn't happen.

“I try not to ask myself those questions because there are really no answers to it,” she said.

Seles won the Olympic Bronze medal in 2000, and at the age of 16 became the youngest French Open winner. She called her first major victory the greatest of her career.

“As a 16-year-old, everybody says, ‘Oh, you’re going to be great, blah, blah, blah,”’ she said. “Until you actually do it, you don’t believe it.”

Dell was the Davis Cup captain, and led the American team to victory in 1968 and 1969.

Johnson, who lived from 1899 to 1979, is credited with helping launch the careers of Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe, both Grand Slam champions.

Two Czechs will battle it out in the final of Hobart

In the final of the Moorilla Hobart International, two Czech's will battle for the title, as they both won their semifinal matches in straight sets.

Iveta benesova was one of two players to make it to the final, as she defeated Magdalena Rybarikova in easy straight sets, 61 63.

The other semifinal featured Virginie Razzano and Petra Kvitova, where Kvitova won also in straight sets, 64 61.

The last time that two Czech played eachother in the final was in 2005, when Klara Koukalova (now Zakopalova) beat Lucie Safarova to win the Ordina Open, but finals between Czechs were much more known in the times of Navratilova, Novotna, Mandlikova and Sukova.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Singles - Semifinals

Iveta Benesova (CZE) d. Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) 61 63

Petra Kvitova (CZE) d. Virginie Razzano (FRA) 64 61

There will be Gold medal rematch at the final of Sydney

No. 2 seed Dinara Safina and No. 3 seed Elena Dementieva will meet again in the final of the Medibank International, a rematch of the Olympic final, which Dementieva won.

Safina was the first of the two to adavnce, as she won her match in tough straight sets to Ai Sugiyama, 64 76(3).

"I played a solid game when she served for the second set at 5-4, then I played a solid tie-break too," Safina stated. "It was so hot; that's not an excuse though, because it's the same for us both. But I still don't feel I was playing my best, and it shows I've improved enough that I can play at 50% and still reach the finals."

Safina's compatriot Dementieva followed with her win to Top seed Serena Williams in easy straight sets, 63 61, in just 68 minutes.

"I'm really excited to be in the final here for the first time; it's going to be my second final of the year, so that's great," said Dementieva, who won the title in Auckland last week. "I realize it's going to be tough against Dinara tomorrow."

"I gave it away more than anything," said Williams, who denied injury or fatigue played a factor in the loss to the in-form Russian. "I made a lot of errors and made her look like a champ, really. I just pretty much gave her the match."

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Singles - Semifinals

(3) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. (1) Serena Williams (USA) 63 61

(2) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Ai Sugiyama (JPN) 64 76(3)

Semifinal play is set on Day 4 in Hobart

Since all of the seeds were ousted in earlier rounds, the quarterfinal action included only one qualifier and unseeded players, and Iveta Benesova, Petra Kvitova, Magdalena Rybarikova and Virginie Razzano were the four players to make it to the semifinals.

Benesova won her match in two tough sets to Gisela Dulko, 64 64, and will face Magdalena Rybarikova, who was victorious against qualifier Melinda Czink in three sets, 60 16 76(7).

Kvitova also had a tough time on court, as she defetaed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in three sets, 16 75 63. The Czech will now face Virginie Razzano, who easily defaeted Tsvetana Pironkova in straight sets 64 61.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

Iveta Benesova (CZE) d. Gisela Dulko (ARG) 64 64

Petra Kvitova (CZE) d. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) 16 75 63

Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) d. (Q) Melinda Czink (HUN) 60 16 76(7)

Virginie Razzano (FRA) d. Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) 64 61

Top seed survives quarterfinal scare; Kuznetsova out with injury in Sydney on Day 4

Top seed Serena Williams had a tough start to her week, and playing Caroline Woznaicki didn't seem easy, as the American again saved some match points to enter the semifinals, along with Dinara Safina, Elena Dementieva and Ai Sugiyama.

Williams was battling for every point, and it certainly paid off, as she eventually won in three tough sets to the Dane, who is seeded eighth, 67(5) 63 76(3), after saving three match points when Wozniacki was on serve at 6-5 in the third set.

"It definitely was lucky today - maybe I do have Irish bones in me," smiled Williams afterwards. "I think this is the best she's ever played in her life, really. Hopefully she'll keep it up."

No. 2 seed Safina had a much easier time on court, as she triumphed over Alize Cornet in straight sets, 63 64.

No. 3 seed Dementieva didn't finish her match as quickly as Safina, as she was also in an uncomfortable position against No. 6 seed Agnieszka Radwanska, who made the Russian go to three sets, but Demnetieva managed to close it out, with a score of 62 57 64.

Unseeded Sugiyama didn't have to play a point to get to the semis, as her opponent, No. 5 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova, retired instantly with a abdominal strain.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(1) Serena Williams (USA) d. (8) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 67(5) 63 76(3)

(2) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Alizé Cornet (FRA) 63 64

(3) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. (6) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) 62 57 64

Ai Sugiyama (JPN) d. (5) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) w/o (abdominal strain)

It's a bad day for the seeds on Day 3 in Hobart, including the Top seed

All of the seeded players that were on court on Tuesday were ousted in easy straight sets, and Top seed Flavia Pennetta was one of them.

No. 7 seed Alona Bondarenko was easily demoilshed by Petra Kvitova, 62 61. No. 4 seed Jie Zheng was just as bad as the Ukranian, as she lost to Gisela Dulko in straight sets, 63 63.

No. 1 seed Pennetta fought harder in the second set against Magdalena Rybarikova, but eventually lost, 63 75.

Other winners of the day included Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Iventa Benesova, Virginie Razzano, qualifier Melinda Czink and Tsvetana Pironkova.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Singles - Second Round

Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) d. (1) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) 75 63

Gisela Dulko (ARG) d. (4) Zheng Jie (CHN) 63 63

Petra Kvitova (CZE) d. (7) Alona Bondarenko (UKR) 62 61

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) d. Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) 64 61

Iveta Benesova (CZE) d. Mara Santangelo (ITA) 63 61

Virginie Razzano (FRA) d. Anne Keothavong (GBR) 46 60 75

(Q) Melinda Czink (HUN) d. (Q) Urszula Radwanska (POL) 42 ret. (back pain)

Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) d. Olga Govortsova (BLR) 61 62

All seeds in action succeed; Kuznetsova has tough time on court on Day 3 in Sydney

All of the seeds that took action on Tuesday advanced in their second round matches, as Serena Williams, Dinara Safina, Elena Dementieva, Agnieszka Radwanska and Caroline Woznaicki had an easy time on court, but Svetlena Kuznetsova battled her way through.

The first seed to succeed was No. 6 seed Radwanska, who won to Daniela Hantuchova, 63 75.

"Maybe in the beginning it was a little bit tough, but then it was very good," said Radwanska after her 63 75 win. "Actually it was hot. It's my first tournament outside, and in Poland it was -15 or -20, so it's a big difference. I'm happy to have won two good matches so far."

No. 3 seed Dementieva is Radwanska's next opponent, as she defeated Jarmila Gajdosova 62 64.

Top seed Williams managed to recover well form her first round match against Sam Stosur, and she ousted Sara Errani 61 62 in her match on Day 3. The American will now face No. 8 seed Woznaicki, who beat Melanie South 62 60.

No. 2 seed Safina was also untroubled in her match against fellow Russian Vera Dushevina, as she easily won 63 60. The Russian will now face Alize Cornet, who beat Alise Kleybanova 76(5) 61.

No. 5 seed Kuznetsova was the player who had the toughest time on the court, as she barely got past Kaia Kanepi in three sets, 62 26 76(3).


Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Singles - Second Round
(1) Serena Williams (USA) d. Sara Errani (ITA) 61 62
(2) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. (Q) Vera Dushevina (RUS) 63 60
(3) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. (WC) Jarmila Gajdosova (SVK) 62 64
(5) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. Kaia Kanepi (EST) 62 26 76(3)
(6) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) 63 75
(8) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. (Q) Melanie South (GBR) 62 60
Alizé Cornet (FRA) d. Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) 76(5) 61
Ai Sugiyama (JPN) d. Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) 26 61 62

Britain's Melanie South will replace Maria Sharapova in Aussie Open

British No. 2 Melanie South was chosen to replace defending champion Maria Sharapova in the Australian Open after the Russian had withdrawed from the event due to a slowly healing shoulder injury.

This is the first time that the South has gained a direct entry into a Grand Slam, and Anne Keothavong also achieved a direct entry. It is the first time that two British women have gained a direct entry into a Grand Slam since 1993, in Flushing Meadows.

"This is really great for both Mel and British women's tennis, she deserves it so much," South's coach, Simon Walsh, told the LTA website, http://www.lta.org.uk/.

"This is her reward on the back of all the hard work and having made such significant improvements and gains in 2008."

Safina, Dementieva among seeded winners on Day 2 in Sydney

On Monday in Sydney, some young stars took the courts, while three of four seeds in action advanced to the second round.

No. 2 seed Dinara Safina was one of seeds that succeeded, winning to Sorana Cirstea 62 61. No. 8 seed Caroline Woznaicki had a score which was similar to Dinara's, as she won to Dominika Cibulkova 61 62. No. 3 seed Elena Dementieva was also in good form in her first match of the week, as she ousted Ekaterina Makarova 75 61.

The only seed who didn't go through was No. 7 seed Nadia Petrova, who fell to Alize Cornet in easy straight sets, 62 64.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Singles - First Round(2) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Sorana Cirstea (ROU) 62 61

(3) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) 75 61

Alizé Cornet (FRA) d. (7) Nadia Petrova (RUS) 62 64

(8) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) 61 62

Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) d. (Q) Klara Zakopalova (CZE) 63 60

Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) d. (LL) Anastasiya Yakimova (BLR) 61 36 63

Kaia Kanepi (EST) d. (Q) Angelique Kerber (GER) 61 75

Ai Sugiyama (JPN) d. (LL) Jill Craybas (USA) 62 63

Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) d. Maria Kirilenko (RUS) 62 62

Sara Errani (ITA) d. Casey Dellacqua (AUS) 61 62

(Q) Vera Dushevina (RUS) d. (WC) Emelyn Starr (AUS) 60 61

(Q) Melanie South (GBR) d. Marion Bartoli (FRA) 11 ret. (left calf strain)

(WC) Jarmila Gajdosova (SVK) d. (LL) Karin Knapp (ITA) 64 62

Chakvetadze among ousted seeds on Day 2 in Hobart

Day 2 was even worse than Day 1 in Hobart, as three of four seeds were kicked out of the draw, and Anna Chakvetadze was one of them.

No. 3 seed Chakvetadze has had bad results recently, and this match din't help to improve her game, as she fell to Carla Suarez Navarro in three sets, 76(5) 61 75.

Other seeds who were ousted are No. 5 seed Agnes Szavay, who was a victim of British No. 1 Anna Keothavong 63 75, No. 6 seed Aleksandra Wozniak, who held seven match points in the second set against qualifier Urszula Radwanska, but ended up losing in three sets, 36 76(3) 75.

The only seeds to survive their matches on Monday were No. 4 seed Jie Zheng, who won to Marina Erakovic 61 46 61, and Top seed Flavia Pennetta, who won to Shahar Peer 62 76(5).

Monday, January 12, 2009

Singles - First Round

(1) Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. Shahar Peer (ISR) 62 76(5)

Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) d. (3) Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) 76(5) 16 75

(4) Zheng Jie (CHN) d. Marina Erakovic (NZL) 61 46 61

Anne Keothavong (GBR) d. (5) Agnes Szavay (HUN) 63 75

(Q) Urszula Radwanska (POL) d. (6) Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) 36 76(3) 75

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) d. (WC) Olivia Rogowska (AUS) 63 61

Olga Govortsova (BLR) d. (WC) Jessica Moore (AUS) 60 63

Gisela Dulko (ARG) d. (Q) Stefanie Voegele (SUI) 62 63

Virginie Razzano (FRA) d. (Q) Maria Elena Camerin (ITA) 61 62

Mara Santangelo (ITA) d. Nicole Vaidisova (CZE) 61 61

(Q) Melinda Czink (HUN) d. Tathiana Garbin (ITA) 62 16 75

Serena survives battle against Australian

After missing the tournament in Sydney for seven years, Serena Williams didn't come back in her best form, struggling against Australia's Sam Stosur, while Svetlana Kuznetsova also struggled in her first round match.

Top seed Williams won the first set easily while the next two sets were pretty tough, but eventually she ousted Stosur 63 67(4) 75.

No. 5 seed Kuznetsova had a slow start to her week, but won to Shuai Peng 36 63 61, and No. 6 seed Agnieszka Radwanska won to Sybille Bammer 64 63.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Singles - First Round

(1) Serena Williams (USA) d. Samantha Stosur (AUS) 63 67(4) 75

(5) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. Shuai Peng (CHN) 36 63 61

(6) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. Sybille Bammer (AUT) 64 63

Two of three seeds ousted on Day 1 in Hobart; Schnyder is one of them

On the first day of the Moorilla Hobart International, two of three seeds in action were ousted, and Top 20 player Patty Schnyder was one of them.

Schnyder, who is ranked 15 and is seeded second, made a bad start to her week, as she fell to Tsvetana Pironkova in straight sets, 62 64.

No. 7 seed Alona Bondarenko had better luck than the Swiss player, winning to Monica Niculescu in three tough sets, 64 26 62.

No. 8 seed Tamarine Tanasugarn was the other seed who lost, as she was ousted by Iveta Benesova, 75 75.

Other winners of the day were Magdalena Rybarikova, who fought back from being 64 53 down to win to Kateryna Bondarenko 46 76(6) 61, and Petra Kvitova, who demolished Sally Peers in a double bagel score.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Singles - First round

Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) d. Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) 46 76(6) 61

Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) d. (2) Patty Schnyder (SUI) 62 64

Iveta Benesova (CZE) d. (8) Tamrine Tanasugarn (THA) 75 75

Petra Kvitova (CZE) d. Sally Peers (AUS) 60 60

(7) Alona Bondarenko (UKR) d. Monica Niculescu (ROM) 64 26 62

Breaking News: Sharapova withdraws from Aussie Open

Defending Champion Maria Sharapova has announced that she will withdraw from the Australian open due to a slower than expected shoulder recovery.

"I am very sorry to announce that I am not going to be able to defend my title at this year's Australian Open," Sharapova said in a statement. "My shoulder is doing great, but I just started training a few weeks ago and I am just not near the level I need to be to compete at the highest levels."

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said he was disappointed for Sharapova, who beat Ana Ivanovic of Serbia in the 2008 final.

"She played some amazing tennis on Rod Laver Arena last year and has a massive legion of fans in Australia," tournament director Craig Tiley said. "I know she has been working around the clock to try and get back from the shoulder injury. In the end, time beat her this year."

Serena Williams, who beat Samantha Stosur in three tough sets at the Sydney International on Sunday, said she was aware of Sharapova's ongoing shoulder concerns.

"I know she's been dealing with some injuries," Williams said. "She's been having a tough time. Everyone has tough injuries."

Asked if she'd miss the challenge of playing Sharapova in Melbourne, Williams said: "I'm focused on the rest of the people and the rest of the draw."

"I think my major threat, is like you see people today like Sam Stosur in that first-round match who are playing unbelievable and they want to do their best."

Australian Open champs get increase of prize money

It was announced on January 10 that the prize money will be increased for the the Men's and Women's singles champions at the Australian Open, make it $1.42 million, which is an increase of 12%.

All of the extra moeny is going to the singles finalists, Steve Wood, the Tennis Australia Chief executive, said in a statement on Saturday.

"This is an investment in the major revenue source for our sport in this country," Wood said. "We want to work with the players to further elevate the status of the Australian Open."

The start of the Australian Open is on Monday, January 19.

Azarenka ousts Bartoli to win in Brisbane

In Brisbane on Saturday, there was a battle between a Belorussian and Frenchwoman for the title, and it was Victoria Azarenka, the Belorussian, who took the trophy home, winning to Marion Bartoli in easy straight sets.

Although No. 2 seed Azarenka didn't lose a set during the week, she still had some tough challenges, such as winning to Jarmila Gajdosova in the second round 76(4) 75, and winning to Lucie Safarova in the quarterfinals 76(5) 64.

Azarenka came out on Saturday to win to No. 3 seed Bartoli easily 63 61.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Singles - Final

(2) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. (3) Mariona Bartoli (FRA) 63 61

Dementieva captures title at Auckland

Top seed Elena Dementieva has achieved the title at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, winning to fellow Russian Elena Vesnina in easy straight sets on Friday.

Dementieva was not in her best form for the first few games of the match, being down 3-1, but then came back to make it 4-3 in her way, holding her serve to make it 5-3, then she lost a game on Vesnina's serve, but managed to close out the first set 6-4.

Then the second set was easily closed out with the score of 6-1.

Vesnina showed signs of bad attitude throughout the match, and so did Dementieva, but that didn't stop them from playing some quality tennis.

"The crowd's support was awesome, not just today but all week," Dementieva said. "It was a pleasure to come here and play this tournament. We all really felt at home here, it was very nice. And for the first time my mom isn't here with me, so I'm especially happy to take this trophy back home for her."

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Singles - Final

(1) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Elena Vesnina (RUS) 64 61

It's going to be an All-Russian final in Auckland!

Elena Vesnina and Elena Dementieva have set up an All-Russian final at the ASB Classic, after the younger Elena won her match to the British No. 1, and the older Elena won her match to Aravane Rezai.

Vesnina was the first to play her semifinal match, and she won it to Anne Keothavong, 67(3) 61 75.

"In the first and second sets I was playing a little bit up and down, so in the third set I was just trying to stay positive and play consistently," Vesnina said during the on-court interview. "I'm so happy I was able to win. I feel wonderful."

Top seed Dementieva easily went into the final after winning to Frenchwoman Rezai, 62 62.

"Elena is an amazing girl," Vesnina said of her countrywoman Dementieva, with whom she also played doubles this week. "She's a really good player. She plays unbelievable tennis. It'll be a very tough match, but I'm so excited, because it's the first final of my life and I'm playing against Elena."

Friday, January 9, 2009

Singles - Semifinals

(1) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Aravane Rezai (FRA) 62 62

Elena Vesnina (RUS) d. Anne Keothavong (GBR) 67(3) 61 75

Azarenka through to final; Maresmo retires from semifinal match against Bartoli

No. 2 seed Victoria Azarenka showed signs of great tennis in her semifinal match on Friday, as she was the first player to reach the final of the Brisbane International, while No. 3 seed Marion
Bartoli followed.

Azarenka's opponent was Italian Sara Errani, and the Belorussian beat Errani in easy straight sets, 63 61, in just over an hour.

"I'm obviously very happy - I just want to do better than the last time and win my first title," said Azarenka. "I will fight for every point. It's the last match so you have to give everything you have and stay positive no matter what."

Bartoli reserved the spot in the final after leading No. 5 seed Amelie Mauresmo 4-0, but then the former world No. 1 retired with a left thigh strain.

"It happened in the second game," Mauresmo said. "It wasn't such a big pain so I kept going but I really couldn't push off the serve and move the way I wanted. "It's frustrating and not how you want to end the tournament but I guess it's more sensible to make sure I'm 100% for Melbourne," she added.


Friday, January 9, 2009

Singles - Semifinals
(2) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. Sara Errani (ITA) 63 61
(3) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. (5) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) 40 ret. (left thigh strain)

Dementieva through to semis; No. 2 seed ousted in three sets

Top seed Elena Dementieva was in prefect form for her quarterfinal match on Thursday, as she crushed No. 5 seed Shahar Peer, while No. 2 seed Caroline Wozniacki was ousted in three sets by Elena Vesnina.

Dementieva won to the Israeli player in straight sets 63 61. She will now face Aravane Rezai, who won to Edina Gallovits 63 62, in the semis.

Vesnina won to Wozniacki 63 06 63, and will now face Anne Keothavong, who won the first set to Ayumi Morita 60, but then Ayumi retired due to a left hamstring injury.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(1) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. (5) Shahar Peer (ISR) 63 61

Elena Vesnina (RUS) d. (2) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 63 06 63

Anne Keothavong (GBR) d. (Q) Ayumi Morita (JPN) 60 ret. (left hamstring strain)

Aravane Rezai (FRA) d. Edina Gallovits (ROU) 63 62

Mauresmo stuns Ivanovic in easy straight sets

On Thursday, there was a battle of two former world No. 1's. Amelie Mauresmo was the one who succeeded in easy straight sets to Ana Ivanovic, and that makes her part of the semifinal action at the Brisbane International.

Fifth seeded Mauresmo was indeed the better player on court, winning to the Serb 63 62. She will now face No. 3 seed Marion Bartoli, who defeated Tathiana Garbin 63 63.

"It feels great," said world No.24 Mauresmo after what qualified as her first win over a Top 10 player in nearly two years. "I'm very proud of the way I played today from the first one to the last."

No. 2 seed Victoria Azarenka had a better time on court than Ivanovic, as she won her match toughly to Lucie Safarova, 76(5) 64.

Sara Errani was the only unseeded winner of Day 5, beating Olga Govortsova 63 63.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(5) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) d. (1) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) 63 62

(2) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. Lucie Safarova (CZE) 76(5) 64

(3) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. Tathiana Garbin (ITA) 63 63

Sara Errani (ITA) d. Olga Govortsova (BLR) 63 63

3 of 8 seeds succeed; Erakovic ousted

Only three out of eight seeds triumphed at the ASB Classic in Auckland, NZ on Wednesday while the other five seeds all fell in straight sets to qualifiers and not seeded players.

No. 1 seed Elena Dementieva was in the group of winning seeds, after she beat home player Marina Erakovic in straight sets, 62 63.

No. 2 seed Caroline Wozniacki also kicked her opponent, veteran Jill Craybas, out of the draw in straight sets, 64 75, along with No. 5 seed Shahar Peer, who defeated Barbora Zahlavova Strycova in three sets, 63 46 62.

The No. 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8 seeds lost easily in straight sets.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(1) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Marina Erakovic (NZL) 62 63

(2) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. Jill Craybas (USA) 64 75

Edina Gallovits (ROU) d. (3) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) 63 63

(Q) Ayumi Morita (JPN) d. (4) Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) 75 62

(5) Shahar Peer (ISR) d. Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) 63 46 62

Elena Vesnina (RUS) d. (6) Nicole Vaidisova (CZE) 64 63

Aravane Rezai (FRA) d. (7) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) 62 63

Anne Keothavong (GBR) d. (8) Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) 62 64

Ivanovic, Mauresmo survive second round scare

There were some ups and downs on Day 4 of the Brisbane International, as two former world No. 1's were on the brink of losing their second round matches to a lucky loser and a qualifier.

The first player out on the courts was Amelie Mauresmo, who took on Julie Coin in her match on Wednesday. Mauresmo had a tough time in the first set, as the younger Frenchwoman went on to take it 75. Mauresmo took control of the second set and won it 62. The third set was the toughest, as it went all the way to a 6-6, and Mauresmo finally closed it out with a score of 13-11 in the tiebreaker. Mauresmo had saved 3 match points before winning.

"You know, I really don't know what to say," said the 29-year-old of the longest match of her career. "I'm just glad that I won it because it would have really been the 'missed-occasions match' if I didn't. That's the good and positive point for today. Other than that it's a lot of ups and downs and frustration because I was not able to make the difference when I was supposed to and I had so many break points and was not able to convert them."

Top seed Ana Ivanovic was also in a tough position against qualfier Roberta Vinci, which took 2 and a half hours to complete, as she lost the first set in a tibreaker with a score of 7-4, won the second set 75, and easily won the third set 61. Ivanovic had saved two match points before winning.

Other matches of the day included Sara Errani and Tsvetana Pironkova, where Errani won in three sets, 67(3) 75 63, and Olga Govortsova and qualifier Sesil Karatantcheva, where Govortsova won in three tough sets, 60 57 75.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(1) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d. (Q) Roberta Vinci (ITA) 67(4) 75 61

(5) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) d. (LL) Julie Coin (FRA) 57 62 76(11)

Sara Errani (ITA) d. Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) 67(3) 75 63

Olga Govortsova (BLR) d. (Q) Sesil Karatantcheva (BUL) 60 57 75

Top seed starts week well; Erakovic wins on home courts

Top seed Elena Dementieva had a perfect start to her week in Auckland, as she beat her opponent in straight sets, while all of the three other seeds were also into the second round.

The Russian was at the top of her game on Tuesday, as she beat Chan Yung-Jan, 75 63. The other seed who won were No. 2 seed Caroline Wozniacki, who demolished qualifier Alberta Brianti 61 60, No. 7 seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who also beat her opponent, qualifier Kristina Barrois, easily 63 61, and No. 8 seed Carla Suarez Navarro, who won to Nathalie Dechy 64 60.

Home player Marina Erakovic impressed her crowd with a straight sets win against Nuria Llagostera Vives, 75 64. Other winners of the day were Anne Keothavong, who beat wildcard Mirjana Lucic 64 62, Elena Vesnina, who demolished Aiko Nakamura 61 60, and qualifier Ayumi Morita, who beat Marta Domachowska in three sets, 64 46 64.


Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Singles - First Round
(1) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Chan Yung-Jan (TPE) 75 63
(2) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. (Q) Alberta Brianti (ITA) 61 60
(7) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) d. (Q) Kristina Barrois (GER) 63 61
(8) Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) d. Nathalie Dechy (FRA) 64 60
Anne Keothavong (GBR) d. (WC) Mirjana Lucic (CRO) 64 62
Marina Erakovic (NZL) d. Nuria Llagostera Vives (ESP) 75 64
Elena Vesnina (RUS) d. (Q) Aiko Nakamura (JPN) 61 60
(Q) Ayumi Morita (JPN) d. Marta Domachowska (POL) 64 46 64

No. 2 and 3 seed survive challenge; Stosur ousted in strsight sets on Day 3 in Australia

Both seeds on Day 3 at the Brisbane International tournament were victorious, while only two players out of four won their match in straight sets.

No. 2 seed Victoria Azarenka was battling her way through to the next round against Jarmila Gajdosova, but won in tough straight sets, 76(4) 75.

No. 3 seed Marion Bartoli was also in a tough position against qualifier Melinda Czink, but she was eventually victorious in three sets, 57 63 61.

Other winners of the day were Tathiana Garbin, who beat Alisa Kleybanova in three sets, 46 64 62, and Lucie Safarova, who was the second and last person to win her match in straight sets, beat Samantha Stosur 64 64.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(2) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. Jarmila Gajdosova (SVK) 76(4) 75

(3) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. (Q) Melinda Czink (HUN) 57 63 61

Tathiana Garbin (ITA) d. Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) 46 64 62

Lucie Safarova (CZE) d. Samantha Stosur (AUS) 64 64

All seeds through on Day 1 at Auckland

All of the seeds playing on Monday at Auckland advanced to the second round, while the oldest player in the draw was kicked out of the tournament on Day 1.

The four seeds who advanced were No. 3 seed Anabel Medina Garrigues, who beat Mara Santangelo 75 60, No. 4 seed Aleksandra Wozniak, who won to Magdalena Rybarikova 63 76(4) 75, No. 5 seed Shahar Peer, who demolished Petra Cetkovska 76(4) 62, and No. 6 seed Nicole Vaidisova, who fought against Alla Kudryavtseva to win 76(3) 46 75.

Unseeded winners of the day are veteran Jill Craybas, who won to the oldest player in the draw, wildcard Kimiko Date Krumm, who is 38, 64 63, Barbora Zahlavova Strycova, who beat Virginie Razzano 16 62 63, Edina Gallovits won to Klara Zakopalova 36 62 75, and Aravane Rezai beat wildcard Eleni Daniilidou 63 36 63.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Singles - First Round

(3) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) d. Mara Santangelo (ITA) 75 60

(4) Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN) d. Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) 63 67(4) 75

(5) Shahar Peer (ISR) d. Petra Cetkovska (CZE) 76(4) 62

(6) Nicole Vaidisova (CZE) d. Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) 76(3) 46 75

Jill Craybas (USA) d. (WC) Kimiko Date Krumm (JPN) 64 63

Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) d. Virginie Razzano (FRA) 16 62 63

Edina Gallovits (ROU) d. Klara Zakopalova (CZE) 36 62 75

Aravane Rezai (FRA) d. (WC) Eleni Daniilidou (GRE) 63 36 63

Two seeds advance, while three seeds fall at Brisbane on Day 2

In Brisbane, two seeds achieved their spaces in the second round, while three other seeds were demolished on Monday.

The highest seed to fall was No. 4 seed Daniela Hantuchova, who lost to Sara Errani, 67(1) 64 60. The other seeds who fell were No. 8 seed Francesca Schiavone, who was defeated by Olga Govortsova, 75 62; and and No. 9 seed Ai Sugiyama, who was kicked out of the tournament by Samantha Stosur in straight sets, 62 63.

The advancing seeds were top seed Ana Ivanovic, who easily won to Petra Kvitova 64 62, and No. 5 seed Amelie Mauresmo, who won a tough battle against Jelena Dokic, 76(9) 76(5).

"It was a tricky match for me since it was the first match of the season and she already had a few under her belt in Melbourne," Mauresmo said. "She was Top 5 before and the strokes are still there, you can see that.

"I was very happy with my serve and the couple of things I have been working on during the off season with my new coach (Hugo Le Cocq), but a few other things weren't so great," the former world No.1 added.

Other winners of the day were Tathiana Garbin, who won to Sofia Arvidsson 62 63, qualifier Roberta Vinci, who won to qualifier Anna-Lena Groenefeld 06 63 61, Lucie Safarova, who beat wildcard Isabella Holland 64 63, qualifier Melinda Czink, who beat Alona Bondarenko 76(3) 61, qualifier Sesil Karatantcheva, who beat Iveta Benesova 16 64 62, and lucky loser Julie Coin, who battled to win against Yanina Wickmayer 75 76(5) 76(3).


Monday, January 5, 2009

Singles - First Round
(1) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 64 62
Sara Errani (ITA) d. (4) Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) 67(1) 64 60
(5) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) d. (WC) Jelena Dokic (AUS) 76(9) 76(5)
Olga Govortsova (BLR) d. (8) Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 75 62
Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. (9) Ai Sugiyama (JPN) 62 63
Tathiana Garbin (ITA) d. Sofia Arvidsson (SWE) 62 63
Lucie Safarova (CZE) d. (WC) Isabella Holland (AUS) 64 63
(Q) Roberta Vinci (ITA) d. (Q) Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER) 06 63 61
(Q) Melinda Czink (HUN) d. Alona Bondarenko (UKR) 76(3) 61
(Q) Sesil Karatantcheva (BUL) d. Iveta Benesova (CZE) 16 64 62
(LL) Julie Coin (FRA) d. Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) 75 67(5) 76(3)

Kim Clijsters' father dies at 52 from cancer

Lei Clijsters, the father of Kim Clijsters and a former soccer player for Belgium, has died on Sunday. He was 52.

Lei has died after a year of battling with lung cancer, the Derniere Heure newspaper has reported.

He played 40 matches for Belgium's national soccer team, and he participated in the 1986 and the 1990 World Cup.

He was also captain of the FC Mechelen when it won the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1988 to Ajax in the final.

After retiring in 1993, Clijsters was his daughter's tennis manager until 2007 when Kim retired.

2009 season starts with pleasing results in Brisbane

The top seeds at Brisbane showed their preparation was good enough for the new season, as they won their matches easily.

No. 2 seed Victoria Azarenka and No. 3 seed Marion Bartoli both won their matches in straight sets, as the Bulgarian won her match to Kateryna Bondarenko 60 62, and the Frenchwoman won her match to wildcard Monika Wejnert 61 62.

"It was not an easy match, she was playing really well and she obviously had nothing to lose," observed Bartoli after clinching victory 61 62 on her third match point. "It was her first match on the WTA tour and playing against me was not easy for her, and this being her home town, it was normal that she was nervous.

"She's really talented so I had to play a good match, a solid match, but I did and it was pretty good to start like that," Bartoli added.

But one of the seeds were kicked out. That was No. 6 seed Kaia Kanepi, who fell to Alisa Kleybanova of Russia, 61 64.

Other winners of the day were Tsvetana Pironkova, who defeated Monica Niculescu 67(2) 64 64, and Jarmila Gajdosova, who demolished Shuai Peng in straight sets, 64 62.

Top seed Ivanovic will make her debut on Monday, as she will take on Petra Kvitova.

Cornet wins in Hopman Cup

Alize Cornet overcame fatigue to demolish Hsieh Su-Wei in straight sets, 64 64, along with Gilles Simon from the ATP, to beat Taiwan in the Hopman Cup.

Both the Frenchwoman and the Taiwanese player had problems with their serve in the first set, as Hsieh went 0/4 for break point chances. Cornet succeeded only once in five times, when she broke Hsieh at 4-4 to make it 5-4 on her serve, then she went on to win the set with an ace.

Then Cornet and Simon won the mixed doubles together to Hsieh and Lu Yen-Hsun from the ATP, 63 76(8), to make the score 3-0 for France to win.

The defending champions are Meghann Shaughnessy and James Blake from the US, and they will take on Slovakia on Monday.

The U.S, Slovakia, Germany and Australia are in Group A, while France, Taiwan, Italy and Russia are in Group B.

Sharapova tops athlete search on Yahoo! for 2008

Even though Maria Sharapova missed half of the season due to a shoulder injury, she still was ranked No. 1 as the most searched athlete of 2008.

The 21-year-old Russian achieved a Grand Slam at the Australian Open last year, along with winning 22 out of 23 of her first matches.

Check out the Top Ten list on www.mariasharapova.com